THE PROBLEM OF LEAD IN LIPSTICKS IN NEPAL - GAIA

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that had already prepared from National Institute for Standard and Technology (NIST), USA lead stock solution were used for the AAS calibration curve generation. The result thus obtained has been presented in the table below. S.N. Table 1: Result of <strong>LEAD</strong> content in the tested lipstick brands from Kathmandu Valley Sample code Brand Color/Shade Lead Amount (ppm) Remark (USFDA guidelines (0.1 ppm for colorant for Candy) 1 NPA1 Revlon Wicked Chocolate-101 40 400 times higher 2 NPA2 Loreal Paris Berry Berry-18 30 300 times higher 3 NPA3 Lakme Strawberry Splash-353 50 500 times higher 4 NPA4 M.A.C. Blood Red-13 145 1450 times higher 5 NPA5 Shiseido Glam Shine (Holographic)-18 123 1230 times higher 6 NPA6 Dily Pink-24 116 1160 times higher 7 NPA7 Channel Brown -19 101 1010 times higher 8 NPA8 Midie Light pink-540 116 1160 times higher Average 90.125 901 times higher Source: NESS Pvt. Ltd. Laboratory Results 9.Key Findings Key findings from the conducted laboratory analysis for the total lead concentration in the studied brands of the lipsticks can be summarized as follows. All tested samples (100%) exceeded the US Food and Drugs Administration’s lead in candy standard of 0.1 parts per million (ppm), ranging from 30 to 145 ppm. Highest 145 ppm was found in Sample NPA4 (M.A.C. Brand). This is 1450 times more than the 0.1 ppm, US lead in candy standard. Least 30 ppm was found in sample NPA2 (Loreal Paris Brand). This is again 300 times more than the US lead in candy standard. Other sample NPA1 (Revlon Brand), NPA3 (Lakme Brand), NPA5 (Shiseido Brand), NPA6 (Dily Brand), NPA7 (Channel Brand) and NPA8 (Midie Brand) have lead concentration of 40, 50, 123, 116, 101 and 116 ppm respectively. Average lead content of all 8 lipstick is 90.125 ppm (901 times higher than USFDA 0.1 ppm). Lead content also varies across brands and shades/colour. None of these samples labelled lead as in their ingredient. Lead Content in Lipstick (ppm) Value (ppm) 150 100 50 0 40 30 50 145 123 116 101 116 0.1 6 Brand Names
10. Conclusion Most common and widely used lipsticks found in Nepalese market contain higher level of lead content ranges from 30 ppm to 145 ppm that is 300 to 1450 times more than the USFDA guideline value of 0.1 ppm for lead in candy. Average of lead content of all 8 brands of lipsticks is found to be 90.125 ppm that is 901 times more than the above guideline value. Lead content also varies across brands and colors. There is no any labelling about lead content in most of the cosmetics products. There are neither any legal frameworks nor any authorized government agencies to monitor this chemical in products includnig lead in lipsticks. Besides that there is lack of awareness among all active as well as passive consumers of the cosmetics like lipsticks. Children and pregnant and breast feeding women are the major affected groups of lead from any lead exposure coming from different sources including cosmetics call for immediate action from responsible government and business community to protect cosumer health and well being. 11. Recommendations Based on the study carried out about lead in lipstick available in Nepalese market, following recommendation have been made. ‣ Mass awareness program should be launched with specific target group like children and pregnant women first and then for all. ‣ Regulatory bodies should be identified and made responsible for effective monitoring of the import, production, sale, distribution promotion and process as well as market. ‣ Standard should be enacted in order to limit the content of lead in cosmetics and other household products and items. ‣ Laws and Regulation must be made and also to enact the standard along with effective compliance monitoring mechanism in place. ‣ Harmonize the laws, standard of chemical in products across the globe, continents, regions and even within the country. ‣ Packaging must have clear labelling about heavy metals like lead, mercury etc. So that general public could make informed choice of selecting safe products. ‣ Producers should put cautionary notice about toxic levels of ingredients used in their cosmetic products. ‣ The consumers should see the label and enquire if the products they are going to use are actually safe for them or not. ‣ The independent monitoring agencies should be established that will be responsible for testing and monitoring the heavy metal and other toxic impurities in cosmetic products and make a public dissemination of the result on regular basis. How Can You Contribute To Public Awareness ? 1. Email, SMS, write or call the manufacturer of your favorite lipsticks and let them know that you are aware of the hazards of using lipsticks that have lead in them. And that you know that lipsticks can be made lead-free and that is important to you. 2. One-third of all lipsticks manufactured are free from lead, so see if you can get the manufacturer to let you know the ones that are lead-free. 3. Choose colors other than red among all personal cosmetics. 4. Try herbal/natural products. 5. If you have young children or girls, make a wise choice. Find a non-lead lipstick. 6. Let other women and men friends know about the dangers and how to avoid lead lipsticks. 7. Write to the media editor and news reporter to spread the words. 8. Keep all receipts after buying any consmetics to ensure liability. 7
Page 1 and 2: Poisonous Cosmetics Ram Charitra Sa
Page 3 and 4: Poisonous Cosmetics Ram Charitra Sa
Page 5 and 6: About CEPHED Center for Public Heal
Page 7 and 8: Executive Summary Cosmetics are bei
Page 9 and 10: Table of Contents About CEPHED ....
Page 11 and 12: Lead in Lipsticks 1. Introduction t
Page 13 and 14: 3.2 Effects of lead exposure during
Page 15: Different lipstick brand samples te

THE PROBLEM OF LEAD IN LIPSTICKS IN NEPAL - GAIA

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